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MALTA:
The Cradle Of The Mediterranean

7 days / 6 nights

February 27 - March 4, 2008

estimated cost $2,575.00 per person in double from Tunis

The MALTESE ISLANDS have often been referred to as the island of sunshine and history. An archipelago at the center of the Mediterranean consists of the islands of Malta, Gozo, and tiny Comino. Home once to ancient civilization and Europe’s Nobles, Malta’s location at the crossroads of Mediterranean maritime routes is the key to its rich history.

On Malta a visitor will explore 7000 years of history and span the millennia with an astonishing array of things to discover. What makes these islands unique is that so much of their past is visible today. You’ ll delve into the island’s mysterious prehistory, retrace the footsteps of St. Paul and see where the knights of St. John defended Christendom. And wherever you go, the island’s scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop.

The islands have several World Heritage sites. We will EXPLORE

· VALLETTA - Built by the knights of St. John, the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Termed “ a masterpiece of the baroque and European Art City, Valletta is Malta’s capital city and the living, working heart of the islands; yet it retains a timeless atmosphere and its gird of narrow streets house some of Europe’s finest art works, churches and palaces.

· MADINA – Malta’s medieval capital, traces its origins back more than 4000 years while its suburb, RABAT, can claim the origins of Maltese Christianity. It was here in 60 AD that the Apostle St. Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the islands. Mdina has had several names throughout history, but perhaps none describes it better than its medieval name of Citta’Notabile, the noble city. Highlights here include visit to St. Paul Cathedral and Catacombs, the roots of the islands’ Christianity; St. Agatha’s catacombs, medieval frescos in a spiritual place, and taking tea on Mdina’s old ramparts while admiring the panorama.

· GGANTIJA TEMPLES – The Ggantija Temples (places of giants) on the island of Gozo are thought to be the oldest freestanding structure in the world and are among the best-preserved temples on the Maltese islands. The complex comprises two Neolithic temples dating from 3600 to 3000BC.

· HAL SAFLIENI HYPOGEUM – An enormous subterranean structure excavated 2500 B.C. on Malta. Cyclopean rigging was used to lift huge blocks of coralline limestone. Perhaps originally a sanctuary, it became a necropolis in prehistoric times.

In addition to Malta, we will visit the island of Gozo. Greener, more rural and smaller than Malta, the charm of Gozo is apparent from the moment you arrive. Here, life moves at a leisurely pace dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture. Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso’s isle of Homer’s Odyssey. It is a peaceful. Mystical backwater where baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside. It is also one of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites.

Come with us to explore the fascinating Maltese islands and experience

· CHURCHES: The islands are rich in religious history. Explore a spiritual past spanning the millennia. Visit pre-historic temples, early Christian’s catacombs, medieval chapels and magnificent baroque churches and cathedrals.

· MUSEUMS: There are open-air museums and indoor museums for every era from pre-historic to the story of the islands in World War II.

· Spectacular scenery.

SO, join our wonderful extension and travel through the villages of the Maltese islands – Where native Maltese people live a very happy life. They find great strength and unity in their common language, religion and strong family ties.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS :

MEALS:
· Buffet breakfast daily in the hotel.
· Four (4) buffet dinners in the hotel including ½ bottle local wine, ½ bottle of mineral water and coffee.
· Four (4) lunches during tours.
· Farewell Maltese style dinner including ½ bottle of wine and ½ bottle of mineral water, coffee and traditional entertainment at a local restaurant.

TRANSFERS - AIRPORTS / HOTELS:
· Two (2) transfers in Valletta
· Ferry ride between Valletta and Gozo Island
· All transfers by private A/C coach, driver and HLO Tours representative

TOURS & SERVICES:
· Four (4) days of private tours in Malta & Gozo as per the enclosed itinerary
· All entrance fees to the Archaeological sites & Museums as per the program.
· All tours by private A/C coach with driver and English speaking guide.

AIR TRANSPORTATION ON DELTA AIRWAYS and AIR FRANCE:

Note: Air schedules and flights arrival & departure are subject to change without notice

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 1 Feb 27 Wed

TUNIS / MALTA

AM: Buffet breakfast at the hotel, followed by your transfer to Carthage Airport (Tunis) for your short flight to Malta, the Cradle of the Mediterranean. Arrive Malta International Airport where you will be met and transferred to your deluxe Westin Dragonara Resort to spend the next 5 nights in style.
Westin Dragonara Resort is set in the exclusive seaside enclave of St. Julian’s and is positioned on its own peninsula of 74,000 square meters. The resort is an oasis of luxury and tranquility just steps away from the shops, restaurants and main entertainment venues of downtown Malta. The Westin Dragonara Resort offers an array of restaurants and informal al-fresco dining. With its eight restaurants (five operate in summer only) and its six bars (three operate in summer only), the resort has the true and unique potential to cater for all palates with distinct menus, atmosphere and entertainment. The hotel is also equipped with two beach lidos that feature 2 outdoor pools, a fitness center and beauty parlor including a heated indoor pool, a shopping promenade selling anything from antiques to jewelry, a Westin kids club as well as diving and water sports facilities.

PM: Check –in at your hotel; Non-alcoholic welcome drink will be served upon your arrival.

Eve: Welcome dinner at the hotel & overnight. D

Day 2 Feb 28 Thu

MALTA Mdina & Rabat Tour

AM: American buffet breakfast in hotel. Morning at leisure. Some may wish to rise early to visit a colorful morning market.

Noon: Following a leisurely morning on our own, meet in the hotel lobby to start our adventure by driving to the medieval capital city of the island – the Citadel of Mdina.

As you enter the main gate of the city, you will be led to one of the finest restaurants for lunch, located in what were once gun barrel vaults, which belonged to the Knights of St. John. Following lunch at this original venue you will be guided through the narrow streets of Mdina, where you will admire the cathedral and the imposing bastions that command a magnificent view of most of the island. The central part of the island is dominated by the Citadel of Mdina, perched high up on a hill.

Later, we proceed through the ‘Greek Gate’, to visit the site of the Domus Romana (The Roman Villa), recently restored to its original splendour. Next, we visit an ancient burial place – the Catacombs of St. Paul in Rabat, the neighboring suburb town of Mdina. The excursion will come to an end with a stop at the Empire Crafts Centre, where you will have the time to appreciate various handmade crafts of the island.

A highlight of our day will be a stop at Mdina’s ancient ramparts where we will have the opportunity to take tea or coffee (on our own) while admiring the panorama.

On our way back to our hotel we are going to stop at the impressive dome of Mosta’s parish church, which proudly owns the third largest unsupported dome in Europe.

Dinner & Overnight. BB, L, D

Day 3 Feb 29 Fri

MALTA – Grand Harbour Cruise

AM: American buffet breakfast at the hotel.

AM: After breakfast you will be picked up and transferred to spend a morning on the Grand Harbour Cruise. The boat will take you to visit the natural ports of Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour whose natural creeks make this port one of the most beautiful in Europe. From the harbour, you will be able to admire the surrounding cities’ fortifications. A highlight of the morning will be a visit to the Palazzo Parisio, a stately home with a history, architecture and interior unique in Malta.

Lunch will be provided in a nearby restaurant. After lunch you will return to the hotel to have the rest of the day at leisure. Some may choose to walk Valletta’s bastions, which represent some of Europe’s finest military engineering. Others may opt to wander Valletta’s narrow back streets filled with many quaint and fascinating shops. Still others may decide on a swim or a wander through the hotel’s extensive gardens.

Dinner & overnight. BB, L, D

Day 4 Mar 1 Sat

MALTA – (GOZO island, Full day tour, (This is a weather permitting tour)

AM: American buffet breakfast followed by your transfer to the ferry for your tweny five minutes crossing to Malta’s smaller sister island – GOZO.
On setting foot in Gozo you will notice that although both islands are similar in history and development, Gozo has a character entirely its own. Gozo, which is a three-hilled island, is greener and more picturesque than Malta.

During this excursion, you will visit the Megalithic temples of Ggantija (place of the giants), which date back to 3600 BC and are thought to be the oldest freestanding structure in the world. We will also visit the citadel in Victoria, and the Bay of Xlendi. The last site to be visited will be the curious spot – Dwejra - the Inland Sea and the Azure Window. Free time for shopping will also be given at the Gozo Glass Centre – where the art of mouth blown glass artifacts will be displayed. You will also have the opportunity to purchase some items particularly associated with the island of Gozo. Lunch will be provided.

PM: Return to Malta by ferry, and then you will be transferred by your coach to your hotel for dinner & overnight. BB, L, D

(This is a weather permitting tour)

Day 5 Mar 2 Sun

MALTA - Treasures Tours of Malta

AM: American buffet Breakfast at the hotel
Following breakfast depart for a morning tour of the capital city of Valletta: A City Built by Gentlemen, for Gentlemen. This is a walking tour where you will be visiting various places of interest in Valletta including the Palace State Rooms (accessible subject to no parliament on the day) and the gem of the city, St. John’s Cathedral. Lunch will be served at a picturesque bistro within the city.

After lunch take a short walk to Upper Barracca Gardens, where you will admire a spectacular view of the Grand Harbor, one of the world’s deepest natural harbors. The excursion will come to an end with a stop at the Malta Experience multi-vision show, which depicts 7000 years of Maltese history.

PM: Return to the hotel with time to freshen up and get ready for your farewell dinner

Eve: You will be transferred to a local restaurant to enjoy a farewell dinner of traditional excellent Maltese cuisine while admiring local talent that will provide entertainment reviving many aspects of the island’s heritage.

Return to the hotel for overnight. BB, L, D

Day 6 Mar 3 Mon

MALTA / PARIS via Milan (Italy)

AM: Transfer to Malta Airport for your short flight to Milan. Arrive Milan where you will connect with Air France to Paris.

PM: Arrive DEGAULLE airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for overnight.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Paris. BB

Day 7 Mar 4 Tue

PARIS / DENVER via Atlanta

AM: transfer to DEGAULLE Airport for your flight to Atlanta, and then continue to Denver or your next destination.

Welcome back home.

For more information, contact Ellie Leinaweaver.